In the human world, King Edward was preparing his army for an expedition into the desert, as part of a mission to secure the territories.
King Edward:
"The demon attacks are becoming more frequent in this part of the map. I've been planning this expedition for ages, and I'm quite proud of the result."
Knight:
"Yes, my king. This routine expedition has helped reassure the population against any potential demonic threat in this area. I believe our mere presence is enough to deter them."
King Edward:
"So far, we've managed to kill a total of 26 demons. I believe we've eliminated them all, considering the low mana levels circulating in the region."
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed, followed by a sudden surge of ambient mana.
King Edward:
"What was that? This magical energy… it's immense!"
Knight:
"It's coming from behind those rocks, Your Majesty."
King Edward:
"Go check it out, immediately."
Knight:
"Yes, my king."
Following the king's orders, the knights approached the source of the magic. There, they came face to face with Draselia and Draguot.
Knight:
"Demons! They're demons! Kill them all!"
The knights rushed toward them, weapons drawn.
Draselia:
"What kind of manners are these?"
The knights froze in their tracks when they heard Draselia's calm, clear voice.
Knight:
"What the…? Demons who can speak our language?"
King Edward:
"Who are you, demons? And how do you speak our tongue?"
Draguot:
"This is Lady Draselia, queen of the demon realm. I am Draguot, major demon and aide to the Demon King."
Knight:
"The queen, Draselia, you say? She's quite beautiful for a demon..."
Draselia:
"How dare you, pathetic creature?"
Knight:
"You filthy demon, you'll taste my blade!"
King Edward:
"Enough! That's enough!"
Knight:
"But Your Majesty, they're demons! They all deserve to die!"
Draselia:
"So that's how you think… that all demons deserve to die. Baran was right about you: you are a senseless people who live only to wipe out our race."
King Edward:
"Oh, please. That's rich. It's not us attacking you. It's you who come to our lands bringing terror and destruction."
Draselia:
"And what proof do you have of that?"
King Edward:
"Look around you. What do you see?"
Draselia:
"I see a barren land… infertile soil."
King Edward:
"And yet, this barren land you see was once a vast forest. Now, it's a desert—because of your kind. It has become a refuge for survivors of the war against your people."
Draselia fell silent, unable to find words to defend herself.
Draselia:
"Do you even know what caused this endless war?"
King Edward:
"This war has lasted for millennia, miss. I don't think we'll solve it by clinging to the past. We'd better try to find some common ground between our two races."
Draselia:
"So you're open to reconciliation?"
King Edward:
"Absolutely. This war has brought too much devastation, too many victims. It's time to end it. Everything would be easier if I had the Demon King in front of me."
Draselia:
"I could speak to him. I just need to return to the demon world using the Spirit Key..."
Draselia froze. A sudden thought struck her: What if the Spirit Key was lost during the journey?
The demon queen had used the Spirit Key to travel to the human world in search of answers. She had even met the human king, Edward. But when she tried to return, she realized the key was missing.
Draselia:
"Oh no… This can't be… I've lost the Spirit Key!"
King Edward:
"This key must be very important to you."
Draguot:
"Yes, Your Majesty. That key is a treasure of the demon kingdom. It allowed us to come here, and without it… there's no way back."
King Edward:
"Ah… That's unfortunate."
Draselia:
"What will become of me now? I should've listened to Baran and never come here... Where am I going to sleep?"
King Edward:
"That's not a problem, Lady Draselia. I believe my kingdom is large enough to host two more guests."
Draselia:
"Really? You would do that for me?"
King Edward:
"Of course. As a sign of our future alliance, I must offer you hospitality. And if you truly are the queen, then your people will come looking for you."
Draselia:
"Thank you so much, Edward. You're very kind."
King Edward:
"Come now, let's speak informally."
Knight:
"Your Majesty… if I may… You're planning to bring demons into the kingdom? Don't you think that could cause mass panic?"
King Edward:
"These particular demons pose no threat to the population. But I do expect your utmost discretion regarding their presence."
Knight:
"Yes, my king. You can count on me."
They quietly returned to the castle with Draselia and Draguot and gave them a luxury guest chamber. The king ensured their stay on the surface remained peaceful.
Day by day, Edward and Draselia grew closer. Their unique charms made their mutual attraction feel almost inevitable.
One night, while all the guards were asleep, the king went to visit Draselia in her room.
Draselia:
"What are you doing here, Edward?"
King Edward:
"Forgive me, Draselia. I couldn't sleep. I needed some company in this enormous castle."
Draselia:
"Alright, if you want. I could use some company too…"
King Edward:
"Wait, don't move. I'll bring you a little treat from our world."
Draselia:
"It's not like I can go anywhere. I'm stuck in this room..."
King Edward:
"I'll be right back, Draselia."
The king went to the kitchen and returned with a bottle of old wine.
Draselia:
"What is this red substance? I didn't know humans also drank blood..."
The king burst into laughter.
King Edward:
"Oh no, it's not blood! This red liquid is called wine."
Draselia:
"Wine?"
King Edward:
"Yes, and it's a very fine one. Over 200 years old! It belonged to my great-grandfather. This wine means a lot to my family. It's been offered for generations by the kings of Bermount to the most important person in their lives."
Draselia:
"So… you think I'm the most important person in your life?"
King Edward:
"I don't think so. I'm sure of it."
They talked the whole night. A few hours later, the wine had taken its toll. They kissed… and what was never meant to happen… happened.
The next morning
Queen Draselia:
"Oh my god… What have I done? I've mated with a human!"
King Edward:
"Good morning, Draselia. Slept well?"
Draselia:
"Not at all. I can't deny I loved sleeping next to you… but we should never have done what we did last night."
King Edward:
"What are you so afraid of, Draselia?"
Draselia:
"We did something unnatural, Edward."
King Edward:
"Ending the war between humans and demons is unnatural too. But we're both adults. Even if we aren't the same species… does that change the love we feel?"
Draselia loved the king as deeply as he loved her.
Draselia:
"You don't understand the weight of our mistake. I'm the demoness destined to give birth to the future Demon King. And now, you've ruined my chances of being crowned queen."
King Edward:
"Then stay here… be my queen forever, Draselia. I'll make you happy. The happiest demoness in the world."
Draselia:
"I have to return to my world. I'm the only one who can convince the Demon King to end this war. I must change his mind about your people."
King Edward:
"Don't do this to me, Draselia..."
Draselia:
"I love you, Edward… but our union is… sadly impossible."
From that day forward, Draselia and Edward avoided each other.